Game of Thrones Fire and Blood Red Ale

We find it odd that beer is as rare in Game of Thrones – both the television show and George R.R. Martin's books – as sober warriors and chaste women. There is Strongwine, Arbor Gold Wine, Myrish Firewine, and Selyhor Pale Green Wine; hard-drinking Tyrion Lannisterextolls the virtues of each. But beer is nearly absent in the series – mentioned and never drunk. We're thankful, though, that HBO ignored vineyards and partnered with Ommegang Brewery to create special ales for each season.

The third beer in their series (following the excellent Take the Black Stout and Iron Throne Blond Ale) is one of the most interesting so far. The Fire and Blood Red Ale, named after the silver-haired mother of dragons, Daenerys Targaryen, is, at 6.8 percent alcohol, a potent beer that is bitter, heady, and spicy thanks to the addition of de-seeded Ancho Chiles. As with most Ommegang beers, it uses Belgian yeast giving it a fruity aroma – think raisins – that is offset by the subtle chile spice and ample hops.

The beer is ambitious enough to feel celebratory — like the sort of thing you'd serve at a royal (or red) wedding.